The 2016-17 William Hill Darts World Championship kicks off this Thursday (Friday morning Australian time) at the Ally Pally in London, with reigning world champion Gary Anderson looking to secure a hat trick of victories in darts’ biggest tournament of the year.
The top 72 darts players in the world will come together from 22 nations over 15 days of action to compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and a share of the £1.65 million in prize money.
While Anderson is chasing his third consecutive World Title, he’s the second favourite in betting at $7 at Sportsbet behind the irresistible force that is “Mighty” Michael van Gerwen. With 25 television titles in 2016, the World #1 has been relentless in his pursuit of excellence this year, however the World Championship remains the tournament that has proven to be his stumbling block.
Of course, he is a World Champion already, having won the event back in 2014, but for a man expected to win every single match he plays, to miss out the last two years is bit of a sticking point on the resume of one of the greatest darts players of all time. If he’s going to catch Phil Taylor’s 16 World Championships, then he’ll need to get a move on!
MVG bowed out last year in the third round in one of the greatest matches you will see against Raymond van Barneveld. As a Barney fan, I would love nothing more than to see the Dutchman create more waves throughout the tournament this year.
Another right in contention is Peter Wright. The Scot is rarely talked about in the same circles as the big three of MVG, Taylor and Ando, but Wright’s form in recent times is as good as anyone. All that’s missing is that TV title, but this could be his time to shine. Wright is clearly in the top four in the world now, and the fact that he’s been seeded number three, means he will avoid MVG until the final. That’s a big plus.
The best time to beat MVG is early in the tournament over a shorter format. The longer the game goes, the harder it is to keep the great man down. There’s no doubt that an upset can happen, and if it does, then I think Peter Wright is the man to benefit most on the other side of the draw.
Sure, you can back MVG to win it all at $1.72 at Sportbet if you like. It’s probably easy money. But if you want a real sweat then back the underdog! Get on board with Snakebite Wright and get ready to party when he wins it all!
Tip: Peter Wright to win PDC World Championship - $13 at Unibet
If you want something at even bigger odds, then a couple of specs could include Dave Chisnall ($34 at Unibet) and Mensur Suljovic ($126 at Sportsbet). Chisnall has shown moments of excellence this year and capable of competing with anyone on the big stage, while Suljovic is the big improver on the circuit this year. If he can hold his nerves, he can make a deep run at stupid odds.
For the Aussies, unfortunately Kyle Anderson had problems with his Visa and was unable to compete this year. It’s a shame as he was starting to hit his straps. Our lone hope is the “Wizard” Simon Whitlock who hasn’t really had a good year and is offered at $201 at Palmerbet.
For more darts bets throughout the PDC World Championship, follow @Bullseye_Bets on Twitter for tips and commentary. It’s going to be an exciting event and you can watch it live on Fox Sports in Australia starting Friday morning.
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Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
